The Illinois State Police recently announced that 2009 was the safest year on Illinois roadways since 1921, in terms of the number of traffic fatalities. The number of people killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2009 dropped below 1,000 for the first time in nearly 90 years. The number of traffic fatalities in 2009 was more than 100 fewer than in 2008, and nearly 300 fewer than in 2007.
Governor Quinn attributes this downward trend to a number of factors, including the increase in seat belt usage, and the public safety initiatives of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement. Specifically, law enforcement has targeted the “Fatal Five” traffic violations, which cause many deadly car and truck accidents: (1) speeding; (2) safety belts; (3) improper lane usage; (4) following too closely; and (5) driving under the influence.
Further, as other blog posts from our Chicago personal injury lawyers have noted, this year two new laws take effect to combat “texting while driving.” Specifically, the laws:
- Prohibit drivers under the age of 19 from using a cell phone while driving. The law also prohibits drivers of all ages from using a cell phone while driving in a school zone or construction zone.
- Prohibits sending, typing or reading text messages, or surfing the internet while driving.
For a Free Consultation with one of our Chicago car accident attorneys, call Passen & Powell at (312) 527-4500.
